Canadian Rockies Stories

Episode 1

Spirit Within

23 mins

Spirit Within opens with a harrowing scene-Bazil Leonard, battered and broken, walks three kilometres down Copenhagen Hill after a devastating backcountry accident. With broken ribs, a fractured arm, and a deep head wound requiring 17 stitches, Bazil's ordeal sets the emotional tone for the series. From hospital to home, viewers follow his path of healing. As the snow melts and a new spring emerges, so does Bazil's resolve. Having lost 11 horses in a tragic incident on the Jackpine River, Bazil acquires two new mares and sets out to rebuild not just his horse outfit, but his spirit. Enter Master Horseman Larry Nelles, a gifted educator whose unique approach to horsemanship ignites the next chapter of Bazil's life. At a spirited clinic led by Larry, Bazil brings together a group of young people-Emily Fehr, Martin, Payton, and Curtis Hallock-who begin their own learning journeys under Larry's guidance. With every shared lesson in trust, respect, and timing, a sense of healing unfolds-for both man and horse. The story ends by reflecting on Bazil's growth and the renewed sense of purpose that comes with teaching others. As the clinic concludes, the stage is set for a deeper journey into the Canadian Rockies-one of legacy, resilience, and the enduring spirit within.